Merimbula: Club Sapphire proposes seven-storey ‘luxury’ hotel

A coastal bowling club and restaurant have proposed a 100 room, seven-storey hotel for their south coast town, to help bring more tourism accommodation into the area.

A look at the seven-storey Club Sapphire Merimbula expansion.

A south coast bowling club and restaurant are planning to help solve the lack of traveller accommodation in its tourism centric coastal hamlet, by proposing a seven-storey, 100 room, ‘luxury’ hotel.

The concept plans, which are before the state government for gateway determination, would see Club Sapphire Merimbula transform.

Currently, the planning controls for the coastal town of 4800 people only allows buildings to be up to four-stories high, but Club Sapphire hope to raise the height limit of 16m for the hotel development of 26m.

“The proposed hotel would provide a real boost to local tourism, especially at the higher end of the spectrum,” Club Sapphire chairman Peter Moore said.

“In turn, this will mean more opportunities for local businesses and more jobs for Merimbula.”

Club Sapphire chief executive Damien Foley also hoped the increased height limits would be approved.

“The design team has established that the additional height on this site will have minimal visual impacts on the town due to its unique positioning on the ridge,” he said. “It enables the hotel to achieve the required yield of a four plus star hotel with minimal impact to views, traffic and amenity.”

Another look at the proposed seven-storey hotel for Merimbula.

Club Chief Executive for Club Sapphire Merimbula, Damien Foley.

The plans for the hotel indicate it will provide a seven-storey, 100 room, ‘four plus star luxury’ hotel within the existing Sapphire Club site, with the intention of securing a national hotel operator.

Mr Foley said the hotel would attract high-end tourism to Merimbula and help the club secure more elite bowling events.

“We also see opportunities for increased business tourism, conferences and events which will provide a positive economic impact for our town,” he said.

“We’d like to enhance the club facilities in a way that really adds to the fabric of our community.”

The plans will be considered by the NSW Planning Department if the proposal to increase the height limit has strategic merit. If gateway determination is granted, the plans will be placed on exhibition with Bega Valley Council.